Can yoga release emotions and if so how and what should I do?

Emotional release can play a part in the transformational benefits of yoga.

Emotional Backbending

At my recent Backbending Workshop my students and I had an interesting discussion about emotional release in yoga. I would like to open up this topic for further discussion here. Backbending is one of the places where people can experience emotional resistance and release. Hip opening is another common area where people report experiencing it.

What do I mean by emotional release?

A commonly held belief by yogis is that we store emotional tension in our bodies. Though yoga we release these emotions and give ourselves an opportunity to heal. I think the emotional transformations that can happen in yoga also happen as we change the way we move to a more confident open posture. This may initially make someone feel vulnerable and will ultimately empower you to shine.

Montana Roja, Lanzarote

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.’ We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson

Spiritual teacher, author and lecturer

Where’s the science?

I have always been interested in science’s understanding of these seemingly alternative ideas. Whilst there are many things that science can’t yet understand, there is some interesting research about emotions. Many years ago I read Molecules of Emotion: Why You Feel the Way You Feel. In this book neuroscientist Candace Pert discusses research which shows that the molecules of emotion can can be found in the body. These findings provide a scientific framework to understand the mind and body connections.

Does Everyone experience emotional release in yoga?

I don’t think that everyone does, although most long term practitioners seem to accept that it part of the journey. It has certainly been part of my personal journey with yoga. As much as I think this is a real phenomena, even with some scientific backup, it is just a belief that I hold. It is part of my model of reality and yet I am always keen to keep an open mind about my beliefs as believing in something often makes it happen and can close my mind to other possibilities.

If I feel upset what should I do?

Emotions from our past can come up for all of us, whether we are doing yoga or not. A yoga practice can really help you to remain calm and not get overwhelmed. Here are my tips for dealing with challenging emotions.

You don’t have to understand it it to let it go. Don’t get too involved as that will just feed the emotion.

Stay present – tune in to what is happening right now. Notice where you are and what is actually happening rather than getting wrapped up the story in your mind.

Use your breath to keep you present and calm.

It is not a concrete permanent thing – it is constantly changing, notice it’s impermanence.

Observe it without getting involved and it will pass.

As you develop your yoga practice you will find it gets easier to let go rather than cling to your emotions. If you find yourself getting hooked, give yourself a break. You are noticing which is an essential first step. I have found this process of letting go so liberating and healing and one of the wonderful benefits of yoga.

Have you ever felt emotional release during your yoga practice? What has helped you to let go of these emotions?

Comments

I have experienced this on many occasion, I have only been practising since January and at the first hip opener class I felt very tearful at the end but put it down to hormones etc. At the nest class it happened again, I approached my teacher who confirmed what you have been talking about here. Recently I was exposed to a prolonged period of intense and stressful situations at work, I attended another hip opener class, as I lay in shavasana, I felt very irritable and had what felt like a pitt of fire in my stomach. I had to leave the room and sit for 20 minutes whilst I figured out what i was feeling. I realised that I had been suppressing feelings as a coping mechanism to carry on. Yoga has changed my life and it is now a lifestyle that will remain with me for the duration. At your recent fabulous back bending workshop, I was so energised I lay awake until 2am!!

Thanks for sharing your experiences Stacey. I am sure many people can relate. Yoga is great for making you are aware of suppressed feelings. I have certainly experienced this many times. Great to hear about the positive changes you are experiencing through yoga, isn’t it great.

Sorry you were awake till 2 am. Backbends can do this. Glad you enjoyed the backbending workshop, it was lovely to meet you.